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Editorial: SLA Beeber, Not a Plan B

May 28, 2013 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

It is no secret that the School District of Philadelphia is closing 23 schools which leaves many confused about the opening of SLA Beeber.

The opening is controversial. Many Philadelphians feel as though it’s unfair to close so many schools and open a new one, or even expand an already-existing one.

Others feel as though the new campus has something to offer, considering SLA has a reputation of outstanding academics and innovative ideas. Moreover, moving into the Beeber Middle School building allowed that school to stay open.

A similar situation surrounds stocking the school. Much of the furniture and supplies for classrooms, such as desks, tables, chairs and science equipment will be coming from schools around the city that are being shut down. Some people find whole situation unfair, while others think SLA is putting the supplies to good use.

From the outside, there are pros and cons to opening a new campus. But from the current SLA students, many questions have been circulating regarding SLA-B. Will we doing joint projects with SLA-B? Will there still be the same streams at the new campus? Will there be one big field day? Will we have different sports teams?

While many of these things may be unclear at the moment, there are definitely some concerns and excitements upon the opening at the new campus.

From the perspective of our school, SLA-B offers many great benefits. It will ensure that all SLA students will have access to an auditorium and gym, and opens up possibility for cross city collaboration between the two campuses.

One worry that SLA is working hard to dismiss is that SLA-B will now be seen as “second best” as compared to the original campus. This could make students feel less special if they don’t get into the campus they had hoped for — although the long-term plan is for students to interview to attend SLA and then be equally distributed between the two campuses.

So, opening a second campus at SLA gives a great deal of students the opportunity to attend SLA.

While opening SLA-B provides more opportunities for children to receive a better education, it comes with a cost.

It might be difficult but we have to separate emotions from actions and not have hard feelings– but instead look forward and discuss how we are going to fix the problems.

It’s important for people to understand that in the climate of the district there is no benefit without some cost. A good thing can happen in the midst of a lot of awful things.

Unsigned editorials are written and approved by the SLAMedia Editorial Staff. They do not reflect the opinion of Science Leadership Academy and its employees.

Senior Class: A Lack of Spirit?

May 28, 2013 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

By Leah Kelly

Staff Writer

On Tuesday, May 14th, the Class of 2013 had their senior trip — and only twelve people attended.

The original senior trip plan was to go to the Poconos for a day, since that is what previous classes had done and enjoyed. It was easy from a management standpoint and easy to get approved with the School District. However, fewer students than the minimum needed signed up.

Health and PE Teacher Pia Martin attributed this to the fact that students in the Class of 2013 tend to sign up in groups — and since many social circles didn’t opt into the Poconos plan, it had to be canceled.

Senior Annisa Ahmed, who did not sign up for the Poconos trip, echoed this sentiment. “None of my friends were going, so I figured, why do it?”

As a last gesture, Ms. Martin, who was in charge of organizing the senior trip, gave them the option of either a picnic or an outing to Dave and Busters. When poll results came in, the majority of the votes was for Dave and Busters.

Ms. Martin was frustrated but also accepting of what happened.

“It’s just the nature of this particular class,” she said.

Teachers are not the only ones who are noticing this class’ particular lack of unity of class spirit.

“It really makes me upset and angry as well that my class is barely a class at all,” said Senior Katherine Hatzidais.

“I do not feel unity within my classmates which I hate because I want our class to all be friends and all have a fun time together. Especially all the senior activities that we should all be enjoying together.”

Along with the unsuccessful senior trip, senior hoodies never worked out either, because not enough people placed orders–only fourteen, when the minimum order had to be 30.

Some say it was due to lack of interest, laziness, or financial issues. Hatzidais, however, also stated it might have been because “some kids are cheap and not willing to pay for it.”

“I really wanted a senior hoodie to have pride for my class,” said Senior Jenn Wright, “and it was a shame that it didn’t work out.”

Some seniors have a more balanced viewpoint of the class trip failure.

“I think everybody cared about it, but not enough to pay,” said Senior Sam Lovett-Perkins.

As their final year at SLA draws to a close, seniors are celebrating, but many continue to feel frustrated by lack of unity and spirit in their grade.

“They are all fabulous as individuals,” Ms. Martin says, “they just don’t pull together as a whole.”

Hallway Fashion: Markietra Keese

May 24, 2013 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

Would you consider yourself fashionable, to stand out fashion wise amongst the students at SLA?

Yes I consider myself fashionable. I don’t know if I would necessarily say I stand out because there are some days that I try to look nice and other days were I don’t care and will throw on some sweatpants.

Do you know which each item is from? If so name the places you got it from.

Hat Forever 21

Shirt American Eagle

Tights Wet seal

Flats Macy’s

Who is your fashion icon that you get inspiration from?

I don’t really have a fashion Icon, I just look for something that I like ans if I like it I buy it. I also might see something that someone is wearing on the streets and might look for something similar.

Where do you find inspiration?

I guess my inspiration comes from what I lack in my closet. If I can’t find a style that I want in my closet I go out and buy it.

Where do you usually shop?

I shop everywhere because every store always has something that I like. Sometimes it’s Wet Seal when I need pants, H&M, and Forever 21. Most of the time I shop in every department store because it’s harder for you to find someone with the same shirt of pants as you.

Interview by Dalena Bui

Senior Prom

May 21, 2013 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

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Annisa Ahmed
Staff Writer

Yasmeen Brownlee
Photo Gallery

For a senior, there are two nights that everyone looks forward to. One is when they are finally allowed to toss their graduation caps in the air. The other is, of course, prom.

This year, the Class of 2013 celebrated prom on Friday, May 17th. Before that day arrived, the students made it their jobs to select their attire and solidify plans between friends.

The weeks leading up the shindig was stressful for everyone taking part in. As Senior Morgan Marant explained it, “That night has to be perfect and I’m going to make it as perfect as possible.”

Before the 8PM start time, Individual groups met up to take pre-prom photographs at one another’s homes, the Art Museum, and other picturesque locations around the city. They then traveled to the Hyatt at the Bellevue Hotel for prom, held in a private ballroom on the nineteenth floor.

The formal dance ended at midnight, but many students continued the fun by heading to the nearest diner, sleeping over for movie marathons and camping under the stars.

When asked what was her favorite part of, Senior Bernicia Guercio, like many other, gave the same answer. “Everything, everything about it was fun.”

Contact: aahmed2@scienceleadership.org

Students will represent SLA at District Championship

May 15, 2013 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

By Heather Campbell

Staff Writer

Juniors Katherine Hunt and Karly Bornstein and Freshman Desmund O’Donovan will be representing SLA at the Philadelphia District 12 Track and Field Championship on Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th.

Hunt and O’Donovan will all be competing in the 1600m and 3200m, and Bornstein in the 100m and 200m.

The three have been dedicated all season. Due to the majority of the team being sprinters, distance runners, Hunt and O’Donovan, even had to train on their own.

“I’m really proud of our kids and I think they have worked really hard.” said Coach Juan Gabriel Sanchez “These kids kept working and despite some difficulties, they’re still preforming.”